WHEN the Second World War broke out in 1939, the government ordered all places of entertainment to be closed because it feared large gatherings would make easy targets for German bombers.

Within weeks, the decision was reversed. Ministers realised that when people were in danger - at home or on the frontline - entertainment and laughter helped people bear the reality of war by providing moments of escapism and optimism.

A new exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North - In The Mood é looks at wartime entertainment, from the First World War to the present day. It uncovers the talents that surfaced during times of war, from the songs of Dame Vera Lynn to the madcap humour of George Formby, and shows how entertainment shaped lives during wartime.

The Second World War cemented the careers of performers such as Gracie Fields and Arthur Askey, who visited the front line to entertain the troops.

Bandleader Glenn Miller was another wartime star until his tragic death. Historian Terry Charman, who is part of the team behind the exhibition, believes that such performers helped to secure victory by lifting the spirits and keeping boredom at bay.

"The idea that propaganda could be used to keep morale up was in its infancy, but morale and motivation proved to be great ways of winning the war."

Charman concedes that Vera Lynn's song, White Cliffs Of Dover, may be lost on younger visitors to the exhibition but says that wartime entertainment is still worth knowing about.

"It's part of Britain's cultural past. Dame Vera Lynn is as much a wartime icon as Churchill is. The patriotic songs that came out of wartime are of historical interest only but what we need to understand is that the First and Second World Wars were total wars - there was no escaping them.é

"We are very lucky, even though we live in difficult times. There are no blackouts, air raids, ration books or conscription. We can do things to avoid the images and stories about the war with Iraq and advances in technology mean that entertainment - at home and on the front line - is more personal, practical and portable.

éBut there was no choice for people living though the two world wars. They needed escapism and optimism."

Important role

Michael Simpson, curator of the exhibition, says entertainment still has a role to play during the current war with Iraq.

"The US and British Armed Forces have opted for emotional but motivational songs such as Get Here, by Oletta Adams, and Enrique Iglesias's Hero. These songs encourage troops to focus on the job in hand and to remember who and what it is they're fighting for.é

Radio stations can also champion certain songs. High on Radio 1's playlist are tracks from pop sensations Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake because of their light, melodic feel.

"We may be more cynical, but post-Diana we're more sensitive. Justin Timberlake's song, Cry Me A River, is probably the song that's going to be in the nation's psyche at the moment because it articulates feelings. His song is all about being fragile but becoming strong enough to overcome that uncertainty. Christina Aguilera's record encourages you to feel better about yourself."

Michael thinks that, of all the forms of entertainment, comedy is best suited to expressing emotions and opinions about the war. Comics such as Rory Bremner, Omid Djalili, Michael Moore and Mark Thomas go to the heart of the issues. Their routines are sharper and more political than their slapstick predecessors.

But just as entertainment has changed, so have the entertainers. Geri Halliwell has replaced George Formby and Jim Davidson has stepped into Tommy Trinder's shoes.

Michael says that celebrity status is dished out daily and on the slightest of grounds. "Claire Sweeney seems to be a very nice woman, but nobody will remember who she is in five years' time - let alone 50. Comparing the wartime entertainers of today with those of the Second World War is like comparing Babycham to champagne."

In The Mood is at the Imperial War Museum, from Saturday, April 5 until Sunday, September 7, 2003. For more information visit www.iwm.org.uk or call 0161 836 4000.